Bill Nelson
Executive Director

Nelson’s twenty years of service as a naval officer demonstrated his exceptional leadership and managerial capabilities. He previously served as the Executive Director for the Paso Fino Horse Association and the Rocky Mountain Horse Association, supporting thousands of members worldwide. Most recently, Bill served as State Programs Director for the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs. In his new role as Executive Director, Nelson will oversee the Secretariat Center’s operations, utilizing his extensive executive experience to drive the organization’s mission of promoting and rehabilitating retired racehorses. His leadership will focus on ensuring the center’s long-term sustainability, expanding community outreach, and fostering advocacy efforts for Thoroughbred horses.

Caroline Tatum
Equine Program Director and Trainer

Caroline Tatum joins the Secretariat Center as a professional with a robust background in equine training and management. As the founder and operator of South Boundary Stables, Tatum successfully transitioned over 50 Thoroughbred off-the-track horses to new careers and competes with her Thoroughbreds in eventing. Her exceptional horsemanship skills and dedication to equine welfare have earned her a reputable standing in the industry. Tatum will lead the equine and adoption programs, ensuring top-notch horse care, while fostering the development and training of the Secretariat Center horses.

Caren Cartwright
Office Administrator

Caren grew up in the Northwest but discovered her passion for horses at the age of four during a visit to her aunt’s farm in Georgia. Her love for Thoroughbreds and horse racing took hold at ten when she watched the Kentucky Derby on TV for the first time.

She later moved to Kentucky to attend Midway College, attaining a degree in Equine Business. With extensive experience across various facets of the equine industry—including office administration, racetrack operations, and hands-on horse care at Thoroughbred farms—she brings a well-rounded perspective to her work.

Her own OTTB, Mugs (JC: Two Steppin Bob), became part of her family 20 years ago, deepening her commitment to Thoroughbred aftercare. Caren is passionate about helping OTTBs successfully transition into new careers and find their perfect forever homes.

Anna Lowell
Farm Manager

Anna’s passion for horses began at a young age, and by the time she turned seven, she was eager to start riding. Though her parents initially thought it might just be a phase, it quickly became a way of life. Growing up in Northern Illinois, she began showing in the Hunter/Jumper world and acquired her first Thoroughbred, sparking a lifelong love for the breed.

Anna took her horse with her to college, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Equine Teaching and Training from Lake Erie College. After graduation, she moved to Texas, where she taught lessons and worked with her own group of training horses—one of which was a special Thoroughbred she purchased directly off the track. Through patience and dedication, she successfully trained him up to the National Derby level before finding him a perfect new home with a young rider just starting out.

Anna has always had a deep connection to Thoroughbreds and is passionate about their aftercare. “Watching them transition from the track, adjust to a new way of life, and eventually find their person is incredibly rewarding,” she says.